News for 'Services and Finance'

Paytm appears poised for rebound

Paytm appears poised for rebound

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

While Paytm (One97 Communications) is not completely past regulatory hurdles, its share price has gained in the last month or two. The Paytm handle migration is complete along with FDI clearance necessary for the Payment Aggregator (PA) license. UPI consumer data indicates stable market share, and expansion in partner networks in financial distribution. All this implies Paytm could be set to meet guidance of turning Adjusted Ebitda breakeven by Q4FY25 (ex of UPI-incentives).

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls India a potential AI leader

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls India a potential AI leader

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Two years after his dismissive stance on India's AI potential raised eyebrows here, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Wednesday gave a ringing endorsement to Artificial Intelligence momentum in the country -- and billed India as an important market not just for the new-age technology itself but for the ChatGPT creator as well. In New Delhi on Wednesday, Altman -- while sharing dais with Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw -- said India is the second biggest market for the company and that Open AI had tripled its users here in the last year.

Budget curtails carry-forward losses for mergers and acquisitions

Budget curtails carry-forward losses for mergers and acquisitions

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26, while promising a new framework for smoother mergers and acquisitions (M&As), has plugged a major loophole on carry-forward losses for a total of eight assessment years between amalgamating company and amalgamated company from the date of loss instead of date of the merger. For all mergers effected on or after April 1, 2025, the losses can be carried forward only for the residuary period (counting from the date of loss).

Want To Buy A Mercedes? A BMW? An Audi?

Want To Buy A Mercedes? A BMW? An Audi?

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

From attractive EMIs to assured buyback guarantees, luxury carmakers have lined up a slew of offers to woo customers this festival season to address dwindling sales amid rising inventories.

Mercedes to cost Rs 2 lakh - Rs 9 lakh more from Jan 1

Mercedes to cost Rs 2 lakh - Rs 9 lakh more from Jan 1

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz on Friday said it will hike prices of its vehicles in India by up to 3 per cent on its entire model range in the portfolio from January 1, 2025, citing a rise in input costs, inflationary pressures and higher operational expenses. Prices of Mercedes-Benz cars in India will be revised by Rs 2 lakh for the GLC to Rs 9 lakh for the top-end Mercedes-Maybach S 680 luxury limousine, Mercedes-Benz India said in a statement.

RBI recognises FACE as fintech SRO

RBI recognises FACE as fintech SRO

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recognised the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) as a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) in the fintech sector, the central bank announced on Wednesday. The banking regulator received three applications for fintech SRO. Of the remaining two applications, one has been returned by the RBI with a provision for resubmission after meeting specific requirements, while the third application is still under examination, said Governor Shaktikanta Das at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai.

IPO pipeline: 10 companies aim to raise Rs 20,000 cr in Dec

IPO pipeline: 10 companies aim to raise Rs 20,000 cr in Dec

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The primary market is expected to remain vibrant, with at least 10 companies, including supermart major Vishal Mega Mart and Blackstone-owned diamond grading firm International Gemmological Institute (India) Ltd expected to raise a combined Rs 20,000 crore in the next month, merchant bankers said. Education-focused NBFC Avanse Financial Services, TPG Capital-backed Sai Life Sciences, hospital chain operator Paras Healthcare, and investment bank DAM Capital Advisors are also among the companies planning to launch their IPOs in December, they added. The companies aim to raise a total of Rs 20,000 crore through their public offerings.

Finance, durables stocks see maximum FPI selling in last fortnight of Feb

Finance, durables stocks see maximum FPI selling in last fortnight of Feb

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

Financial services and consumer durable companies accounted for most of the selling by foreign portfolio investors (FPI) in the last fortnight of February. FPIs sold finance stocks worth Rs 2,263 crore and consumer durable stocks worth Rs 1,111 crore, according to data collated by Prime Infobase. Information technology (selling worth Rs 708 crore), metals and mining (Rs 694 crore), and power (Rs 497 crore) were the other sectors where overseas funds sold shares.

Budget: Why exporters are seeking Rs 750 cr from Sitharaman

Budget: Why exporters are seeking Rs 750 cr from Sitharaman

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Exporters on Thursday sought a fund of Rs 750 crore for three years to tap USD 25 billion export potential in the US, aiming to seize potential opportunities that may arise as the US President-elect, Donald Trump, has threatened to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods. In its pre-Budget meeting with the finance ministry, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ashwani Kumar has also demanded extension of the five per cent Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES).

Will GST Council cut taxes on insurance premium?

Will GST Council cut taxes on insurance premium?

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The GST Council, in its meeting on Saturday, is likely to decide on reducing tax rates on life and health insurance premiums, while hiking it on high-end wrist watches, shoes and apparels, besides considering a separate 35 per cent tax slab for sin goods. The 55th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state counterparts, is likely to discuss rate rejig in about 148 items, besides, it will also deliberate on bringing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), a major component for airline industry's operation cost, in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) fold.

'When the market is good, you have to capitalise on it'

'When the market is good, you have to capitalise on it'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

'Within India, people want high-quality, personalised banking services, and the demand for such services has exploded.'

Do You Need To Get A New PAN Card?

Do You Need To Get A New PAN Card?

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

First things first: For those wondering if they need to reapply, the answer is no.

CLSA upgrades Bajaj Finance as it logs record customer, loan growth in Q4

CLSA upgrades Bajaj Finance as it logs record customer, loan growth in Q4

Rediff.com13 Apr 2023

Bajaj Finance's quarterly business update, coupled with around 24 per cent fall over the past six months, has turned risk-reward favourable for investors, observe analysts. They see up to 39 per cent upside in the stock, from a one-year perspective. Global brokerage CLSA, for instance, has upgraded the stock from 'underperform' to 'outperform' with an increased one-year target price of Rs 6,600 (vs Rs 6,000 earlier) as it believes the risk-reward has turned favourable for the counter, and there is scope for expansion if growth remains robust.

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The United Kingdom extracted USD 64.82 trillion from India over a century of colonialism between 1765 and 1900 and USD 33.8 trillion of this went to the richest 10 per cent -- enough money to carpet London in notes of 50 British pound almost four times over.

GST To See Two Slab Rate Structure?

GST To See Two Slab Rate Structure?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

Of the two rate structures on the table, one suggests tax slabs of 8 per cent, 16 per cent, and 24 per cent. The other proposes tax slabs at 9 per cent, 18 per cent, and 27 per cent.

Consensus eludes GoM on GST rate rationalisation, over 100 items discussed

Consensus eludes GoM on GST rate rationalisation, over 100 items discussed

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

The Group of Ministers (GoM) on goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation, which convened in Goa on Wednesday, reviewed the GST rates for over 100 items, including textiles, handloom goods, agricultural products, fertilisers, and educational materials. However, no consensus was reached on any of the items, with further discussions scheduled for next month in Delhi.

K'taka portfolios: Siddaramaiah keeps finance, Shivakumar gets irrigation

K'taka portfolios: Siddaramaiah keeps finance, Shivakumar gets irrigation

Rediff.com29 May 2023

Shivakumar has got the all-important Major and Medium Irrigation and Bengaluru City Development, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Development Authority, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited.

How Reddy's 'Salaar' Style Celebration Stole the Show at MCG

How Reddy's 'Salaar' Style Celebration Stole the Show at MCG

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

The maiden Test ton celebration in Salaar style was a tribute to his father Mutyala, who watched his son rescue India from the stand behind team's dug-out.

2025: Top 10 Stocks To Watch Out

2025: Top 10 Stocks To Watch Out

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

These 10 stocks represent the best mix of value and growth, offering relatively low price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, a high return on equity, and sufficiently high potential from current levels.

692 Stocks Move Into Bear Territory

692 Stocks Move Into Bear Territory

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The sharp pullback in mid and smallcap stocks signals a cooling-off period in segments that previously attracted considerable investor interest.

'Help! I'm Stuck In Rs 15 Lakh Debt'

'Help! I'm Stuck In Rs 15 Lakh Debt'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Ask rediffGURU and PF and MF expert Janak Patel your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

NBFCs throng bond mkt to fund festival credit demand

NBFCs throng bond mkt to fund festival credit demand

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

A number of non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) have tapped into the debt capital market ahead of the festival season to meet increasing credit demand as bank funding slows. On Tuesday, Aptus Value Housing Finance secured Rs 300 crore at an interest rate of 8.75 per cent through bonds maturing in five years. ICICI Home Finance Company turned to the market to raise Rs 275 crore at 7.94 per cent, alongside another Rs 300 crore at 7.95 per cent, through bonds maturing in five and three years, respectively.

Sensex, Nifty hit record highs on US Fed rate cut; banks lead gains

Sensex, Nifty hit record highs on US Fed rate cut; banks lead gains

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

From the 30 Sensex firms, NTPC, Nestle, Titan, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maruti, Hindustan Unilever, Bharti Airtel and HDFC Bank were the biggest gainers. HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Adani Ports, Larsen & Toubro, JSW Steel, State Bank of India, Tech Mahindra and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards from the pack.

Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0 will start from Oct 1

Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0 will start from Oct 1

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

The government has notified October 1 as the starting date for direct tax dispute resolution scheme Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0. Vivad Se Vishwas scheme 2.0 was originally announced in Budget 2024-25 presented in July for resolution of certain income tax disputes pending appeal.

Heavyweight stocks drag Sensex down by 638 points

Heavyweight stocks drag Sensex down by 638 points

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty settled lower for the sixth straight session on Monday due to heavy selling in bellwether stocks including HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries amid mixed trends in the global markets and outflow of foreign funds. Falling for the sixth consecutive session, the BSE Sensex tumbled 638.45 points or 0.78 per cent to settle at 81,050. During the day, it plummeted 962.39 points or 1.17 per cent to 80,726.06. The NSE Nifty slumped 218.85 points or 0.87 per cent to end at 24,795.75.

Sensex, Nifty close lower on selling in Reliance, spike in retail inflation

Sensex, Nifty close lower on selling in Reliance, spike in retail inflation

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

From the 30 Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Maruti were the biggest laggards. Reliance Industries Ltd, India's most valuable company, on Monday reported a 5 per cent fall in the July-September quarter net profit as weak oil refining and petrochemical business hurt operational performance. ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, Adani Ports, UltraTech Cement and HCL Technologies were among the gainers.

Reliance Q3 net rises 7.4% on rebound in retail, higher telecom earnings

Reliance Q3 net rises 7.4% on rebound in retail, higher telecom earnings

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Reliance Industries Ltd on Thursday reported a 7.4 per cent rise in its December quarter net profit, as its retail business rebounded and telecom earnings rose. Its consolidated net profit of Rs 18,540 crore, or Rs 13.70 per share, in October-December - the third quarter of April 2024 to March 2025 fiscal (FY25) - compared to Rs 17,265 crore, or Rs 12.76 a share, in the same period a year back, according to a stock exchange filing by the company.

Former Karnataka CM S M Krishna passes away

Former Karnataka CM S M Krishna passes away

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Former Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna passed away at his residence in Bengaluru early Tuesday morning, his family said.

'GST Council Should Jack Up Rates'

'GST Council Should Jack Up Rates'

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

'Rates go up, revenues go up, and the need for compensation diminishes.'

How the markets will fare this week

How the markets will fare this week

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

Quarterly earnings from corporates, global trends, and trading activity of foreign investors will guide market sentiment this week, analysts said, adding that benchmark indices may face volatile trends. "The upcoming release of Q2 results will be closely watched, providing insights into corporate performance. "Meanwhile, the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran introduce a significant geopolitical risk, potentially leading to increased oil prices and market volatility.

Events that shaped Indian businesses in 2024

Events that shaped Indian businesses in 2024

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

Unprecedented bribery charges, farewells, separation, failed union, monumental mergers and record-breaking IPOs, along with a healthy dose of online happenings in the form of spat and lessons in customer care, corporate India saw it all in 2024.

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

Ex-NIA chief Sharad Kumar to head BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit

Ex-NIA chief Sharad Kumar to head BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

Sharad Kumar, former head of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was named as the new chief of the BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit.

Markets turn topsy-turvy; Sensex, Nifty slump nearly 1%

Markets turn topsy-turvy; Sensex, Nifty slump nearly 1%

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

From the 30 Sensex firms, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, Nestle, Bharti Airtel, UltraTech Cement, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, and HDFC Bank were the major laggards. In contrast, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, Axis Bank, Tata Consultancy Services and State Bank of India were among the gainers.

How To Stay Safe From UPI Frauds

How To Stay Safe From UPI Frauds

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Link your UPI app to a separate bank account or wallet that has only a limited sum.

Services sector grows to nearly 13-year high in April

Services sector grows to nearly 13-year high in April

Rediff.com3 May 2023

India's services sector growth accelerated in April, as strong demand conditions resulted in the fastest increase in new business and output in close to 13 years, a monthly survey said on Wednesday. The pick-up in demand occurred in spite of escalating price pressures. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global India Services PMI Business Activity Index rose from 57.8 in March to 62.0 in April, signalling the fastest expansion in output since mid 2010, amid a pick-up in new business growth and favourable market conditions.

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Term life insurance policies, and senior citizens' health insurance premium are likely to be exempted from GST as most members of a state ministerial panel favoured cutting taxes to benefit the common man, an official said on Saturday. The GoM to decide on GST on health and life insurance premiums in its meeting on Saturday decided to exempt GST on premiums paid by individuals, other than senior citizens, for health insurance with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. However, 18 per cent GST will continue to be levied for health insurance cover of over Rs 5 lakh.

Meet Nirmalaji's Core Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Core Budget Team

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The finance minister continues to be backed by the same policy team in charting out the broad strategy as in the few earlier Budgets.

RBI, Always Watchful, Always Vigilant

RBI, Always Watchful, Always Vigilant

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

The RBI has changed the way it approached supervision in the past. Having seen a couple of collapses in the NBFC sector and the near-collapse of a few banks, it is focusing on regular drills to prevent a fire from breaking out, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Sensex soars 1,359 pts to settle above historic 84,000 mark

Sensex soars 1,359 pts to settle above historic 84,000 mark

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

From the 30 Sensex firms, Mahindra & Mahindra, JSW Steel, Maruti, Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, ICICI Bank, Power Grid, Nestle, Bharti Airtel and Adani Ports were the biggest gainers. Tata Consultancy Services emerged as the only laggard.